My Top Ten by George Kakaji

Photography by Per Janeli

My Top Ten by George Kakaji image 1

George Kakaji, the bar manager from Vy NKPG in Sweden, compiles his best 10 signature cocktails, consisting of modern concoctions and innovative drinks. Perhaps it will inspire some of your own unique recipes.

Here's the list.

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Photo by Alex Wayne

Mr. Kakaji
Glass: 1924 Coupe
Garnish: Dried lime
Method: Dry shake, shake and fine strain. The cocktail is served with its own marinated olives as snacks.

4cl Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto
0.8cl Luxardo Maraschino
1cl Frangelico Liqueur
0.8cl Orgeat Syrup
3cl Fresh Lime Juice
2cl Aquafaba

Inspiration: The second drink, is very close to my heart and I actually named it after myself 'Mr Kakaji'. In 2018 I won the 'Art decor' (Sweden's most beautiful cocktail) prize for it. If I could only have one signature cocktail this would be it. Best served with olives to help elevate the flavors. The drink is sourish, almost tart, but smooth to the palate.

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Kungsmedicin
Glass: Rocks
Garnish: Dried ginger and orange
Method: Muddle and dry shake, then shake and fine strain into glass with cube of ice. The cocktail is served with fresh orange mixed with honey, topped with ginger.

3cl Maker's Mark Bourbon Whiskey
2cl Cointreau
2cl Honey syrup
1.5cl Fresh Lemon Juice
1.5cl Fresh Lime Juice
7 grams Ginger
1.5cl Aquafaba
Top with (1cl) Soda Water

Inspiration: The first drink is called 'Kungsmedicin' which if you translate it, it literally means 'medicine for a king'. The drink is sourish but very well balanced. It's got a clear taste of ginger, honey and bourbon. In one night a week ago more than 100 different people ordered the drink so it's really become quite popular.

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Sweet Corn Spice
Glass: Coupe
Garnish: Dried lemon slice
Method: Shake and fine strain.

2cl Calle 23 Reposado Tequila
1cl James E Pepper 1776 Rye
1cl Cointreau
1cl Velvet Falernum
3cl Fresh Lemon Juice
2cl Corn Syrup
3 dash Tabasco Sauce
Pinch of Salt
Top with Corn Lemon Foam

Inspiration: Like the name suggests this is a sweet corn drink. I got the idea during a visit to the movies while having some popcorn. I made some corn syrup as the base flavor and from the juice I made a corn foam and added some lemon. The drink tastes like sweet popcorn and is very pleasent.

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Orange Life
Glass: Coupe
Garnish: Rim of sugar and dried orange.
Method: Shake and fine strain. The cocktail is served with fresh orange mixed with honey and sugar.

2cl Bombay Sapphire Gin
2cl Cointreau
1cl Aperol
3cl Fresh Lemon Juice
1.5cl Sugar Syrup
2 dash Angostura Orange Bitters

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Fröken Alva
Glass: 1924 Coupe
Garnish: Flower
Method: Dry shake, shake and fine strain. The cocktail is served with fresh lime mixed with honey & blueberries.

2cl Plantation 3 Stars White Rum
2cl St-Germain
1cl Giffard Violette Liqueur
3cl Fresh Lemon Juice
1.5cl Sugar Syrup
1.5cl Aquafaba

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Cha Cha Cachaça
Glass: 1924 Coupe
Garnish: Dried lime slice and rosemary
Method: Shake and fine strain. The cocktail is served with fresh lime with sugar and rosemary as a snack.

2cl Novo Fogo Silver Cachaça
1cl Luxardo Limoncello
1cl Chartreuse Yellow
1cl Strega Liqueur
3cl Fresh Lemon Juice
1.5cl Sugar Syrup
Top with (1cl) Soda Water

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Himmelsk Päron
Glass: Coupe
Garnish: Dried pear
Method: Shake and fine strain. The cocktail is served with pears mixed with cinnamon and honey.

2cl Hennessy Vs
2cl Xante Pear Liqueur
1cl Peachtree liqueur
3cl Fresh Lemon Juice
2cl Honey Syrup
Top with (1cl) Soda Water

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Limone Sorbetto
Glass: Cocktail
Garnish: Mix biscuit with vanilla sugar.
Method: Shake and fine strain. The cocktail is served with Lemon sorbet and hazelnut.

1.5cl Grey Goose Vodka
1.5cl Luxardo Limoncello
1.5cl Licor 43
0.5cl Frangelico
3cl Fresh Lemon Juice
1.5cl Sugar Syrup
1 spoon Home-made Lemon Sorbet

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Vip Passion
Glass: Coupe
Garnish: Passion fruit and cherry.
Method: Shake and fine strain. The cocktail is served with passion fruit and cherry.

2cl Plantation 3 Stars White Rum
2cl Passion Fruit Liqueur
1cl Heering Cherry Liqueur
3cl Passion Fruit Juice
Half Passion Fruit
2cl Fresh Lemon Juice
1cl Sugar Syrup

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Coco La Bella
Glass: Coupe
Garnish: Rim of coconut flakes and dried pineapple and a bunch of coconut flakes.
Method: Shake & fine strain. The cocktail is served with pineapple and a bunch of coconut flakes and coconut.

4cl Bombay Sapphire Dry Gin
1cl Giffard Pineapple Liqueur
4cl Pineapple Juice
2cl Fresh Lime Juice
2cl Coconut Cream
2cl (Top) Codorníu Ecológica Brut EKO



If you've your own top 10 signature cocktails, then please email them to simon@diffordsguide.com.

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